By Janet Ellen Raasch

Chamber of commerce meetings. Industry seminars. Professional conferences. Public speaking at events like these are a great way for lawyers and other professionals to establish themselves as experts within a chosen field of expertise.

"While some lawyers consider speaking a number-one fear, most can usually stand up and deliver to some extent," said Brigid O'Connor, MBA. "However, the ability to impress points on an audience with verve, or at least consistent clarity, isn't the norm."

O'Connor is a presenter for At Ease, LLC, where she uses speaking and training engagements to help lawyers and executives learn to speak with efficiency and purpose. She delivered these remarks at the monthly meeting of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Legal Marketing Association, held July 11 at The Oxford Hotel in LoDo Denver.

"Communicating effectively is tough," said O'Connor. "There is a lot of existing 'noise' in the channel that can serve as a barrier between you and your audience. To communicate effectively – to be heard – we must eliminate any extra noise we ourselves might add to the fray.

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